“You want to adopt a boy you’ve never met? Tommy, I know I encouraged you to confront your past, but are you sure you’re not jumping the gun? What are you going to do if it doesn’t work out?”
“It will. It has to. Did you ever consider walking away from Sarah because things with the boys got tough?”
“Never. Life with kids—teenagers, no less—is difficult. It helped that I grew up in this town. I made them work with me on the ranch, and that kept them invested in the family goal. They were different, Kevin and Lyle, so dealing with each of them took different skills. Still does.” Dodge sat forward and spread his hands on the table. “If you love Gretchen, he’ll see that. Maybe not at first, but he will. Boy’s probably starved for a father.”
“I’m hoping.”
“I never tried to replace their dad. He didn’t leave them on purpose, and I felt a responsibility to keep his memory and his place in their lives alive. I love those boys. They frustrate the hell out of me, and I could have happily let them both loose with the cows some days when they were younger, but I couldn’t love them more if they were my own flesh and blood. I think of them as mine. I hope, in some way, they think of me as theirs, too.”
“There’s not a person in the valley who doesn’t see you in them. I think you’ve branded them right along with the cows.”
“Lord knows I wanted to, for several reasons.” Dodge stood. “Love his mom, respect his place in her life, and give him responsibilities. That’s the best advice I can offer.”
“It’s good advice, and just what I was hoping to hear.”
Chapter 51
Gretchen fidgeted and lowered the window shade, blocking the light. She picked at her nails and flipped the edges of the magazine she’d bought for the trip.
Tommy stilled her hands. “Relax, okay? Do you not like to fly?”
“I’m fine with flying. It’s what’s waiting for us at home that has me scared.” Tommy linked his fingers with hers. She felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, but it didn’t stop her worries. “What if the attorney doesn’t think we have a case? What if there’s no proof Ryan did anything with a minor? Wouldn’t we have heard something if he had? I checked everywhere online and didn’t find a thing. Wouldn’t he have been fired?”
“We’ll find all of that out when we meet with the attorney this afternoon.”
She squeezed his hand. He seemed so large in the airplane seat next to her, his knees knocking against the tray table as he calmly worked on the newspaper’s crossword puzzle. He was quickly becoming the calm in her storm. She only hoped she didn’t drag him under. “I like you in glasses.”
He pulled off the black-rimmed reading glasses and tossed them onto the newspaper. “A necessary evil.”
“They’re sexy. Everything about you is sexy.”
He leaned over, using his shoulder to block the aisle. “Do you want me to tell you what I find sexy about you?” He glanced at his watch before flipping her a sideways smirk. “I might make it through half my list before the plane lands.”
“I’m not sexy.” She folded her hands in her lap. “There isn’t a sexy bone in my body.”
“Maybe not your bones, but everything on top of them is. The way your muscle sculpts over your bones. The golden skin that’s so warm to touch and sweet to taste. Don’t even get me started on your dimples.”
She remembered how he’d run his tongue along the grooves in her cheeks when they’d made love the night before. She never knew she had such a healthy sexual appetite. She still didn’t feel comfortable in the missionary position, but he didn’t seem to mind her being on top. She’d managed to survive sex in a sitting position and standing in the shower, even with him pressing her against the wall.
“You tempt me.” She leaned in and ran her lips along his jaw. “I feel reckless with you. I feel free. I can’t tell you how amazing that feels. I thought that part of my life was over.”
“It’s just beginning, honey.”
“I sometimes wonder…”
“What?”
“I wonder what would have happened to us if it weren’t for Ryan. And then I feel guilty because then there wouldn’t be Alex. I can’t have it both ways.”
“You couldn’t have it both ways before. Starting right now, you can.”
She bit her lip.
“Stop worrying. I know you’re tired of hearing me say, ‘Trust me,’ but very soon, you can hear it from the attorney. I have a good feeling about this.”
“I’m afraid to be optimistic.”
“Haven’t you ever heard of the power of positive thinking?”
She shoved his shoulder. “Don’t tell me you practice that kind of mystical crap.”
“It’s not crap, and I’m giving it a try. Did you ever think when you got on the plane to come to the valley, that when you came back, we’d be together and in love?”
“I have to confess, I knew you lived in the valley.”
He sat up straight, and his smile evened out. “You did?”
She nodded and watched his reaction carefully. “I didn’t know you were involved with STS, but I knew where you lived. I drove by your businesses and your home the first night I arrived.”
“Were you going to let me know you were in town?” he asked in a quiet voice.
She shook her head. “No. I was afraid you were married, and I couldn’t bear to see you with another woman or with kids. I know how that sounds, considering my situation, but it would have broken me.”
“I tried to find someone that made me feel the way I feel with you. I don’t think she exists. We’re destined to be together.”
She leaned over and kissed his lips. “I also worried you’d still be mad at me.”
“There’s a fine line between love and hate. You’ve never inspired anything other than the two opposite ends of that spectrum in me.”
“Not true.” He’d turned so serious, she was desperate to lighten the mood. “You ignored me for two solid years in high school.”
She felt an acute sense of relief when the corners of his mouth tilted upward. “I was mad to have a stepsister, and then I was mad because I couldn’t touch my stepsister.”
“I’ve spent most of my life loving you. Sitting here with you, in love and talking about the future, feels surreal. I’m not sure how to explain you to Alex.”
“I find the truth works best in most situations.”
She glanced around at the other passengers. They were blissfully asleep, engrossed in their electronics, or watching the inflight movie. She lowered her voice. “I can’t tell him his father raped me.”
“A softer version of the truth. We were in love, we broke up and lost contact, and now we’re back together. He’s ten. He won’t know to question it.”
“You’re right. I need to keep it simple and as honest as possible.”
“Don’t worry. We’ll take this one step at a time. We go to the attorney first. Then we’ll get the marriage license, and then you’ll get him from school. I’ll pay dear old mom and dad a visit tonight while you talk to Alex.”
“I’m nervous, for both of us.”
“Optimism, Gretchen. We’ve come this far. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s bright and calling our names. If you get scared or confused or worried it won’t work out, just look at the light. I’ll be right there waiting for you.”
***
If Peter Barnes’s office was any indication of their hourly fee, Tommy figured he’d have to sign over one of his businesses to Jack Forrester when he received his legal bill. They entered the twenty-seven-floor building with a twelve-story atrium, and his boots clicked on the floor almost as loudly as Gretchen’s heels. He held her hand as they rode the elevator up to the plush offices with an art deco theme. He didn’t care about the money. He couldn’t put a price on Gretchen, and he’d happily start over as a pauper with her by his side and Ryan forever out of their lives.
Barnes was much different than he sounded on the ph
one. His deep voice had Tommy picturing a tall, wide linebacker, not the short, slender, balding man who thankfully greeted them with a firm handshake.
“I have to ask,” Peter began, “if you would like our conversation to be private, Ms. Lowry.”
Gretchen glanced at Tommy and he squeezed her hand.
“You’re my client. I’ve talked to Mr. Golden on the phone, but it’s your ultimate decision who is privy to our meeting.”
“I want Tommy here. He’s privy to everything.”
“Come on in, then, and have a seat,” Peter instructed before closing the door and moving behind his paneled mahogany desk. His office resembled a country club men’s lounge with its dark green and burgundy fabrics. It was a welcome change from the rest of the modern office. The wall of legal books and scattering of family pictures helped put Tommy at ease. Peter was married, he had kids, and he adored his wife. That much was clear. “I’ve had a productive couple of hours. Seems your ex-husband has quite a checkered past he’s worked hard to conceal. I have to admit, Ms. Lowry—”
“Gretchen, please.”
Peter acknowledged her with a nod. “I wasn’t too keen on digging up dirt on one of Chicago’s most legendary heroes. Turns out, he’s human like the rest of us.”
“Less than human,” Tommy interjected.
“I’d have to agree,” Peter nodded. “I’ve looked over your custody agreement. If what Tommy told me is correct, that he hasn’t seen the boy in nine years, you’ve got a case considering the current charges and the ones he’s avoided in the past.”
“There were others?” Gretchen asked.
“Two others, neither with minors. He settled both quietly out of court. Disgusting, really, how much he’s dodged simply because of his status. We could blow this up into a media frenzy that will ensure he’s out of a job and unemployable, but that would hamper his ability to pay child support. He’s paying a pittance, really, when you consider his salary at this stage of his career.”
“I don’t care about his money. I never wanted more. I took what he gave at first because I had nothing. I support us now. I’ve been putting his money into a savings fund for Alex.”
“You said we could blow this up,” Tommy pointed out, “as if we had other options?”
“The guy’s dirty. Just the threat of this getting out would probably be enough for him to relinquish custody.”
“Probably?” Gretchen asked. “I can’t proceed with probably.”
“You’ll have his head in a noose,” Peter said. “He’d be a fool to fight you.”
“He is a fool,” Tommy said. “He’s got a big enough ego to think she’ll cave, especially considering he’s gotten out of two other charges.”
“That’s why you let us handle it, nice and official. If he tries to contact you, don’t answer. If he gets you on the line or tries to talk to you in person, refer him to us and don’t say a word. If he threatens violence, call the police. If he doesn’t meet our demands, we’ll go straight to his employer and the media. I’ll make that clear in our communications.”
Tommy looked at Gretchen. Her warm skin had gone pale, and her arms wrapped tightly around her stomach. He reached over and linked their fingers. “You okay?”
She nodded. “How do we proceed? Can we get this done before he takes Alex in two weeks?”
“I’ve drafted a letter.” He handed one copy to Tommy and one to Gretchen. “Read it carefully and let me know if you want any changes made. If not, I’ll have it couriered to him today.”
Tommy skimmed the letter’s legal jargon and zeroed in on the nitty gritty. “So we’re asking for immediate termination of parental rights based on his neglectful interest in his child’s welfare and in light of his criminal background.”
Gretchen continued where Tommy left off. “Which shall be made public in a hearing if termination of rights are not filed with a judge within forty-eight hours. Oh, God.” She looked at Tommy and then at Peter. “This could all be over in two days.”
“I imagine we’ll hear from him by the end of today. He’d jeopardize everything he holds dear if he fights you. Considering his lack of interest in your son over the last nine years, I can’t believe he’d risk his career and reputation for a child he doesn’t care about.”
“What if he decides to fight for him?” Tommy looked at Gretchen. “I’m not saying he will, but we need to know what to expect.”
“If he decides to fight you, we’ll need you to file termination papers alongside the adoption papers. Have you squeezed in a wedding yet?”
“Not yet. We’re going by the courthouse next to get the license,” Tommy said.
“You might not need it if he does the smart thing. He’ll be ruined if he fights you, Gretchen. He’ll lose your son in the end, anyway.” Peter rocked in his seat with his hands folded over his stomach. “I’ve got kids, one of them a daughter. Men like Ryan prey on innocent girls and get away with it because they have money, celebrity, and connections. They’re scum. I’ll enjoy taking him down.”
“Let’s hope we don’t have to go that route, even though he deserves it,” Gretchen said.
“The other cases’ charges were dropped when the witnesses refused to testify. I’m sure he paid them to influence their decision. This one is a minor, and her stepdad seems willing to press charges, so it’s not going away.”
Gretchen set the letter on Peter’s desk. “Send it. I want this over as quickly as possible. I can’t let him take Alex.”
Peter stood and tapped his fist on the desk. “I’ll be in touch.”
Chapter 52
Gretchen pulled the tie on her coat tight against the wind. “Well, that took forever.” She and Tommy rushed to the parking garage where they’d left her car. “I’m going to be cutting it close. Good thing I called Elise and asked her to get Alex off the bus.”
“The government doesn’t care about anyone’s schedule,” Tommy said. He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “But at least we’re a step closer to getting hitched.”
“Do you think he’s gotten the letter yet?”
“Peter said he’d call us when he heard something. You saw him. He’s a father. He’s determined to stop Ryan from getting his hands on Alex. We need to let him do his job.”
“I know, I’m just anxious. I feel like there’s a giant clock ticking in my head.” She stopped walking and pulled him back. “I think we should slow down.”
“I thought you wanted to be there when Alex got off the bus?”
“That’s not what I mean. You heard Peter. You don’t have to go through with the wedding if Ryan terminates his rights.”
Tommy’s brow furrowed, and he pinched his lips together. “Are you saying that because you don’t want to tell Alex or because you don’t want to get married?”
She flung her hands up. “I don’t want to force you into marriage when it might not be necessary! You’re giving up everything for me, and I want you to be sure.”
“I am sure. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
“But Alex—”
“Is a kid who needs a father. He’s yours. How can I help but love him?”
She wanted to believe him. She wanted to think it would all work out, but she’d seen too much of the ugly side of life to be sure of anything.
“Women come with baggage. Some come with a mountain of debt, some come with crazy families, some come with kids. I love you enough to deal with your baggage. I want your baggage. I’m going to love your baggage!”
She shrugged. “I don’t have a mountain of debt.”
He stepped into her and wrapped his arms around her waist. “I’d marry you anyway.”
“You’ve met my crazy family.”
He kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m going to enjoy getting reacquainted with them.”
She swallowed and nuzzled into his warmth. “I love you more than words can say. I’ll spend every day of the rest of my life trying to make you happy.”
“Then marry me. Tell your son, tell your boss, and let’s get married.”
She rested her chin on his chest. “You’re sure?”
“Gretchen…”
“Okay, okay.” They walked arm in arm against the fierce Chicago wind. “Are you nervous about talking to your mom?”
“No. Determined is more accurate. She deserves so much worse than what I can say to her. I’m so…disappointed in her.”
“I’m not going to argue about that.” They got to the car, and she slid into the passenger seat. “Do you remember how to get there?”
The home where his mother and father lived? “Oh, yes. I remember.”
“How do you plan to get back to my place? It’s not close.”
“I’ll walk down to the coffee shop and call a cab. Or maybe that Irish pub that used to be on the corner, if it’s still there. I’ll probably need something stronger than coffee after I talk to her.”
“Will you call me when you leave?” she asked.
“First thing.” They sat in silence as the car zoomed along the interstate. When he took the exit for Bickford University, his phone dinged. He handed it to Gretchen, and she read the display. “Who’s it from?” he asked.
“Peter. The letter’s been received.” Gretchen took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Okay. No going back now.”
“Optimism, honey. Keep your eye on the prize.”
She studied his profile. “I am.” She ran her hand along his leg. “I am.”
“Alex!” Gretchen crouched down and braced herself for the seventy-pound impact.
Alex ran from the bottom step of the bus directly into her arms. “Mom, you’re back!”
She buried her nose in his collar and inhaled his scent. “Just pulled up. Let me get a look at you.” She held him at arm’s length. “You look taller. What’s Mrs. H. been feeding you?”
Alex smiled up at the woman he thought of as his grandmother. “She made me eat my vegetables.”
Taming the Moguls Page 21
